Micchami Dukkadam – Seeking Forgiveness – Jain Dharma

Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ (मिच्छामि दुक्कडम्)

is an ancient Indian phrase, which is translated from Prakrit to literally mean “may all the evil that has been done be fruitless.” It is commonly used to seek forgiveness and to mean, “If I have offended you in any way, knowingly or unknowingly, in thought, word or deed, then I seek your forgiveness.”

It is used widely in the Jain religion on the last day (Samvatsari or Kshamavani) of Paryushana, the most important annual holy event of the Jain calendar. As a matter of ritual, Jains greet their friends and relatives on this last day with Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ, seeking their forgiveness. No private quarrel or dispute should be carried beyond this time. The importance of forgiveness in Jainism may be compared to the importance of forgiveness in other religions.

The phrase is also used by Jains throughout the year when a person makes a mistake, or recollects making one in everyday life, or when asking for forgiveness in advance for inadvertent ones.

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